Gabby Douglas leaves WOGA Gymnastics
Former coach Anna Liukin confirmed to Olympics.com Tuesday (27 February) that the three-time Olympic gold medallist was no longer training under her and husband Valeri's tutelage
Three-time Olympic champion Gabby Douglas is no longer training at WOGA Gymnastics.
On Tuesday (27 February), Anna Liukin, who along with husband Valeri had been coaching Douglas since 2022, told Olympics.com that the 2012 Olympic all-around winner was no longer training at their Dallas-area gymnastics facility.
"She left on Sunday," Liukin confirmed in a text.
Douglas was supposed to make her return to competition last Saturday (24 February) at the Winter Cup competition in Louisville, Kentucky, but withdrew, citing COVID-19 in a social media post.
"I'm so sad to say that I won't be competing this weekend," Douglas wrote in a post on Instagram. "I was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID.
"Thank you so much of all your support and positive energy - it really does mean the world to me," she continued. "I'm crushed, but I'll see you guys soon!"
With Douglas' withdrawal from the Winter Cup, her highly anticipated comeback to competitive gymnastics will have to wait. She has not competed since the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Further, Douglas will still need to earn a qualifying spot to the U.S. Championships in late May. She could do that at April's national team camp or at the American Classic later in the month. Her final opportunity would be the U.S. Classic, 17-19 May in Hartford, Connecticut.
The 28-year-old's renewed Olympic dreams were first confirmed by coach Valeri Liukin in late February last year, then by Douglas herself on her Instagram in July.
"As you all know, I stepped back from the socials, and in that time, I did a lot of journaling, reflecting, soul searching and found myself back where it all began," Douglas wrote on Instagram. "I wanted to find the joy again for the sport that I absolutely love doing. I know I have a huge task ahead of me, and I am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor.
"There’s so much to be said but for now….💪 😎 Let’s do this #2024," she concluded.
